US Warns Japan of Tomahawk Missile Delivery Delays Due to Iran Conflict

The Trump administration has reportedly warned Japan of significant delays in the delivery of 400 Tomahawk missiles due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, as the US prioritizes weapon allocation to the Middle East.

Sun May 24 2026

Tomahawk Missile Delivery Delays and Reasons

The Trump administration has reportedly informed Japan to expect serious delays in the delivery of 400 Tomahawk missiles due to the conflict with Iran. According to a Financial Times report, US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth conveyed this information to Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi in a phone call. This decision is attributed to the US military scrambling to replenish missile stockpiles used extensively in the Iran conflict, necessitating the diversion of weapons from other allied nations. Japan had signed a $2.35 billion deal in 2024 for 400 Tomahawk missiles primarily to enhance its deterrence against China.

Impact on Indo-Pacific and Other Allies

The reported delay, potentially extending up to two years, is seen as a significant setback for Japan's defense capabilities. Tomahawk missiles, with a range of 1,600 kilometers, would have provided Tokyo with a counter-strike capability to target coastal China. The US has also reportedly warned European nations such as the UK and Poland, as well as Taiwan, about similar delays in weapon deliveries. These diversions raise concerns among Indo-Pacific allies regarding the US's prioritization of crucial weapons to West Asia. However, the Taiwanese government stated it had not received any information regarding US arms delays.